RD 3: City vs Mariners

[Forum Phoenix]

Neil appears to be the worst culprit, but this is actually about how they're set up. Watch how the line of five run to goal, that's zonal marking. Believe it or not, Neil is actually doing what he's supposed to and marking his section/lane way even though he's clearly worried about the two players behind him with Fab (as well he should be). There's acres of space in there. I see 3 city players who could have scored had the ball fallen to them. They had 5 CCM to 6 City players in the most dangerous area right from the get go. Disaster waiting to happen. That's zonal for you. Can't tell with this camera angle, but I'd like to know where the usual bank of 3 is that you put in front of the bank of 5. Too far away to do any good it seems.

Many managers despise zonal marking at corners, for good reason I think. This is a pretty perfect illustration why imho.

Anyway, which ever way you look at it, it needs to be fixed.

 

[Forum Phoenix]

Thanks for posting that by the way greenlig.

 

[Rowdy]

Kisnorbo just runs past Fitzy and Ascroft as they are defending 23 and 28 respectively.

In this still you can see Kisnorbo was actually helped enormously by a pretty basic (and illegal) screen from (I think) Jacob Melling as Kisnorbo makes his run.

The issue is structural there - there's a 2 on 1, and we've got a little guy marking a big guy. The cross is planned, the screen is planned, and we've got nobody near it. That's meat and drink for City. I don't blame Neill alone for that. We clearly need to work on set pieces.

It was actually Stefan Mauk #21 doing the 'illegal screening'. But your right.

Fitzy should have been "Hey ! I've got 2 here" .... "Harry the big guy's YOURS!"

Its simple stuff you teach kids:
"Biggin's get Biggin's, Littl'ies get Littl'ies"

I'm afraid to say that an experienced Reddy would have ripped a "Harry ! Get tight on Patty- Fcuk'n TIGHT!"

C'est la vie.

 

[Yoda]

I'm afraid to say that an experienced Reddy would have ripped a "Harry ! Get tight on Patty- Fcuk'n TIGHT!"

C'est la vie.

I think you're giving Reddy too much credit........ Great shopstopper, not a great communicator / organiser. Better chance of him hurling abuse at Ascroft after the goal was conceded.

 

[dibo]

Mauk is fine if he doesn't move. But he does move - it's a lovely block, NFL style.

And you're right that Ascroft should be on Kisnorbo. Even if you're zoning, your first position is at the line you want to set, as soon as the ball is struck you're moving backwards into the danger zone to contest the ball. If that means you need to manhandle a striker to get them where you want them (i.e. so you're goalside of them) you do it, just be sure to let go when the ball's in play. That way Ascroft gets first run at the danger zone, not Kisnorbo.

 

[Rowdy]

I think you're giving Reddy too much credit........ Great shopstopper, not a great communicator / organiser. Better chance of him hurling abuse at Ascroft after the goal was conceded.

Perhaps I am.

But with NO Bosnar or Rosey & with 'these kid's' in front of him; coupled with his vocal dissent of Walmsley’s stoopid tactics of using 'these kid's'. Pretty sure he'd gave taken the opportunity to throw an F-Bomb at Ascroft to get him to move.

And then, as you rightly say, another afterward.

He's only got himself to curse now.

 

[bikinigirl]

Fitzy can't find feet and nor can Caceras.

. frustrating isn't it

 

[Wombat]

Very!

 

[Rowdy]

If only Citys defence were the same for ys as they were last nite for Newcastle, shite!

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